Trinidad and Tobago vs. Mexico, 2018 World Cup Qualifying: What to watch for

After a confident win over Costa Rica to move top of the Hexagonal, El Tri travel to Trinidad and Tobago to take on the “Soca Warriors”

Here is what to watch for in Mexico’s game against Trinidad and Tobago.

What to watch for:

Record-breaking Chicharito - Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez tied Jared Borgetti as Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer on Friday with his 46th goal for El Tri. In a fixture where Mexico badly missed the pace and threat of a winger like Jesus Manuel “Tecatito” Corona, it was Chicharito who showed up big on the left wing, sweeping home the opener after just seven minutes. Of course, this is a big deal. Chicharito’s place as a Mexico legend is secure, and when it is all said and done, he will arguably be one of the best to ever don the green jersey of El Tri.

As much as there is genuine respect for Borgetti and leveling his scoring mark Chicharito’s 47th goal is sure to be even more special. Against Trinidad and Tobago, Chicharito will have the chance to move to the very top. The problem is Chicharito is nursing an injury and his status for this game is questionable.

Chicharito’s injury is unfortunate, not just because of the momentous occasion another goal would be, but because El Tri are really lacking a goalscorer at the moment. Raul Jimenez has failed to make the best of his time on the field, and while Oribe Peralta’s work rate is unmatched, he no longer possesses the same level of pedigree in front of goal he did a few years back.

Trinidad and Tobago will show fight- When these sides last met, Stephen Hart was Trinidad and Tobago’s manager and his side came close to earning a shock victory before Hector Herrera scored a screamer in the final moments of the game to rescue a 3-3 draw. Since then, Stephen Hart has left but now, under new manager Dennis Lawrence, don’t expect much to have changed with Trinidad and Tobago. Kenwyne Jones is still the Soca Warriors’ main man, with Joevin Jones looking to supply the tall striker and Kevin Molino causing havoc in between lines.

The onus for Mexico will be to limit their opponents' chance to flex their muscles in the final third. Spare a thought for Nestor Araujo and Hector Moreno who are sure to have their hands full against Kenwyne Jones and company.

Lots of goals? - Teams in CONCACAF who invariably face Mexico tend to be cautious. Not Trinidad and Tobago. For a side that knows its strengths and is still growing technically, they always seem to want to take it to Mexico. This has translated to some entertaining games. Before the aforementioned 3-3 from 2015, Mexico also drew 4-4 with Trinidad and Tobago in the last Gold Cup. In fact, 12 of the 14 matches between Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago have had at least three goals scored. Neutrals should, no doubt, be warned.